Providing bikes to childrenKeeping them in schoolBreaking the cycle of poverty they are trapped in

During my recent volunteering experiences, I have personally encountered some of the poorest families in Siem Reap. Some of them struggle to put food on the table, let alone supporting their children for education.

Access to and completion of school remains a dilemma. Poverty channels many children away from school, with some children as young as 12 years old having to enter the labour market.

During my support to some of the local schools in Siem Reap, I met Sayon who is a Primary School Principle. Sayon has been serving a school in the rural area for more than 30 years. The school offers a 6-level education to the 395 students from the 3 nearby villages. Sayon said, “Students mostly come from poor families in the near by villages and some could not afford to have bikes for commuting. Hence the lack of attendance at times. My dream is to provide them with bikes, so that they can come to school every day and be educated.”

I have personally seen many of them walking to school around 6am for 30mins or more and returning home under the hot sun in midday. Sadly, some don’t even have any shoes! My heart goes out to everyone of them!

As part of PeopleStories, Bike For Life is to help Sayon's dream become reality. With your help, we will provide these disadvantaged children with bikes so that they can attend school and be home safe every day. These bikes will not only give them mobility, but change their lives as they become more educated.